surfactant

[ ser-fak-tuhnt ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. surface-active agent.

surfactant

/ sɜːˈfæktənt /

noun

1. Also calledsurface-active agent a substance, such as a detergent, that can reduce the surface tension of a liquid and thus allow it to foam or penetrate solids; a wetting agent

adjective

1. having the properties of a surfactant

surfactant

/ sər-făk′tənt /

1. A substance that, when dissolved in water, lowers the surface tension of the water and increases the solubility of organic compounds. Surfactants are used in inks to increase the effects of capillary action; detergents are surfactants that help remove organic compounds from a substance by making them dissolve more readily in the water in which the substance is washed.
2. A substance composed of lipoprotein that is secreted by the alveolar cells of the lung and maintains the stability of pulmonary tissue by reducing the surface tension of fluids that coat the lung.

Word History and Origins

Origin of surfactant¹

1945–50; shortening of surf(ace)-act(ive) a(ge)nt

Word History and Origins

Origin of surfactant¹

C20: surf ( ace ) -act ( ive ) a ( ge ) nt

Example Sentences

To prevent the exposed two-dimensional sheets from curling up, a surfactant was added.

From Science Daily

Palashuddin hopes to use his team's nonmetallic dots to identify and separate the various pollutants in the river, including pesticides, surfactants, metal ions, antibiotics and dyes.

From Science Daily

Increased concentration of this chemical eliminates the surfactant, a complex composed of fats and proteins generated in the lungs.

From Science Daily

The researchers used a fluorescent surfactant, i.e. glowing soap, to tag the nanomaterial samples and render their motion visible.

From Science Daily

The secret to blending them together is to add an extra ingredient known as a "surfactant" or emulsifier.

From Salon